Blog Post

Passwordless Authentication - This Is The Way

James Kiely • 16 June 2021

Say g00dby3 t0 pa$$w0rd$ and get better security

Passwords are a pain in the backside. Not only to users but to IT Departments who have to administrate them. They have to be longwinded to be more secure, you need lots of them for all your different systems, and despite your best efforts, they're still vulnerable to cybercriminals - who have ways and means of acquiring them. Yes, password managers like Lastpass make things easier, but the simple truth is that most users use the same passwords for multiple logins because it's easier. Ouch.


So, here's a thought. If passwords are now part of the problem, why not get rid of them? How? Passwordless Authentication.

What is Passwordless Authentication?

Passwordless authentication is a method of verifying a person's identity when they access an application, but because it doesn't rely on a password, it's a more user-friendly and secure way to login. How does it work?


Like multi-factor authentication before it, passwordless authentication is a way to verify people are who they say they are. What makes passwordless different is how that verification happens.


Traditional MFA relies on something you have, like a mobile device, and something you know, like a password. Passwordless login still uses something you have, but it replaces the password with something you are, like a biometric - such as fingerprint, facial recognition, iris scan etc.


So, just like MFA, passwordless uses two factors to verify identity, but the beauty of passwordless is that both factors can happen in a single gesture. For example, you pick up your device and perform a biometric and you're in - it's as easy as that.


Why Go Passwordless?

By going passwordless, organizations can address the two major problems with passwords: security gaps and usability issues.


The promise and real genius of passwordless authentication is that it will:


  • Improve user experience. Users get seamless access without all the special characters and trying to remember umpteen different logins.
  • Reduce IT overheads. Fewer passwords means fewer password resets.
  • Strengthen security posture. Attackers can't steal a password if there's no password to steal, right?

Simplify IT recommend Duo

Cisco Duo build best-in-class, famously user-friendly security products - and their approach to passwordless is no exception.

Their passwordless solution is still in development, but here's a sneak peek at some of the features:

  • Easy activation of passwordless authentication for federated applications
  • Flexible authentication options
  • Seamless integration into any IT or security stack
  • Industry-leading administrator and end user experience
  • Engineered with security in mind


Duo is already an essential security solution that we highly recommend, but with passwordless authentication soon to be added, it's a gamechanger.

Talk to us about Duo now - including getting a FREE TRIAL - and get ahead of the game.


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